Fightful Select is reporting that AEW held a mandatory “all hands on deck” meeting yesterday (May 27) that involved talent and staff in Las Vegas, NV ahead of Double Or Nothing 2023. The meeting was “positively received.”
Adam Hopkins, who joined AEW’s public relations division earlier this year after leaving WWE, reportedly led the meeting. Hopkins offered his own personal experience to the meeting while speaking about “favored terms” and AEW’s preferences as a company.
The significance of “media literacy” was stressed to those on hand during the meeting. Talents in attendance were informed that management is well aware of many of them speaking to the “dirt sheets”, and were asked to ensure that their comments are “off the record” in certain situations. Talents were told to make sure whoever they are speaking with is aware of what “off the record” stands for. The remarks reportedly didn’t come off in a finger-wagging or condescending way but as a means of informing wrestlers and staff members how they can protect themselves and AEW with regard to potential misinformation and fake news.
Bryan Danielson also reportedly spoke during the meeting. The veteran wrestler said that he isn’t the best person to offer advice, noting that his comments about apples being “tree semen” when he was supposed to be promoting his AEW match with Kenny Omega. In addition, Claudio Castagnoli addressed how media interviews are important to promote oneself as well as onscreen storylines and programs.
Hopkins’ experience was highly praised by several people who attended the company meeting. One top star noted that Hopkins is a “game-changing hire” for AEW’s public relations department. Another talent called the meeting “useful.”
